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Breaking Boundaries
An adults-only couples vacation takes a surprisingly sexy turn!
Darcy and I have been friends forever, so when we plan a kid-free getaway with our husbands, we're expecting the same relaxing, stress-free time we always have together.
What we don't expect is a rental with walls so thin we hear everything happening in the other room.
Or how hot it is to hear Darcy and Alec get it on—to imagine the actions going along with those sounds, to try and guess who’s doing what to whom.
As the week goes on, we can’t deny our growing attraction to our best friends—I can’t stop checking Darcy out, and Rafe’s gaze keeps drifting over to Alec.
And they’re looking too.
Breaking Boundaries is a high heat, bi swingers erotic romance that explores intimacy, friendship, and a whole lot of sex. As it is the first in a four-book series, while this book ends with each married couple happily together, please keep in mind there is no happily ever foursome (yet…) This story is also available in serial format on Kindle Vella and Radish.
Detailed content warnings are available in the book's front matter and on the author's website.
Darcy and I have been friends forever, so when we plan a kid-free getaway with our husbands, we're expecting the same relaxing, stress-free time we always have together.
What we don't expect is a rental with walls so thin we hear everything happening in the other room.
Or how hot it is to hear Darcy and Alec get it on—to imagine the actions going along with those sounds, to try and guess who’s doing what to whom.
As the week goes on, we can’t deny our growing attraction to our best friends—I can’t stop checking Darcy out, and Rafe’s gaze keeps drifting over to Alec.
And they’re looking too.
Breaking Boundaries is a high heat, bi swingers erotic romance that explores intimacy, friendship, and a whole lot of sex. As it is the first in a four-book series, while this book ends with each married couple happily together, please keep in mind there is no happily ever foursome (yet…) This story is also available in serial format on Kindle Vella and Radish.
Detailed content warnings are available in the book's front matter and on the author's website.
175 pages, ebook
Published June 30, 2023
33 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Blythe
3 books31 followersGemma Blythe writes stories about love and relationships: the good, the messy, and the honest. Her love of romance blossomed in high school when unrequited crushes led her to seek happily ever afters in books and movies.
Though Gemma’s stories are fiction, she’s inspired by the partner she eventually found her own happily ever after with. When Gemma isn’t writing, you can find her lost in the pages of a book, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, attempting to interpret her Tarot spread, and trying to convince her friends and family that she would definitely win Survivor. (She would definitely not win Survivor.)
Though Gemma’s stories are fiction, she’s inspired by the partner she eventually found her own happily ever after with. When Gemma isn’t writing, you can find her lost in the pages of a book, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, attempting to interpret her Tarot spread, and trying to convince her friends and family that she would definitely win Survivor. (She would definitely not win Survivor.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 29, 2024
This is my first read by Blythe but it won’t be my last. I loved the positive representation of opening a relationship and a bisexual coming out experience. Both of these situations were handled positively and perfectly. the characters had chemistry and fire, I loved seeing what would happen next. But the conversations that are often overlooked in books about open relationships were purposeful here and handled with care.
August 13, 2023
Holy moly, this was all kinds of hot. Couple best friends go on a beach vacation and the thin wall between their rooms leads to accidental auditory voyeurism and seeing each other in a brand new light. But it’s not as simple as Bex realizing she’s attracted to Darcy and Rafe saying he’d be okay if she wants to explore it. She has no idea what Darcy or Alec think, much less if they’d be on board. And then when Rafe realizes he might not be as straight as he always thought and he’d like to play with Alec? Friendship just got complicated.
I loved that this wasn’t a typical spouse swap. Bex is interested in her best friend, not her best friend’s husband. And Alec isn’t interested in Bex, he’s interested in her husband. At one point, Bex thinks about how she and Alec have similar taste! And the same is true for their spouses. So while there is a threesome and a foursome scene, they’re only ever engaged with either their spouse or the person of the same gender.
I was a little worried this might go a biphobic route but they ultimately say sexuality isn’t dependent upon who you have sex with. Bex would still be bi even if she didn’t ever do anything with Darcy and Rafe doesn’t need to explore his queerness by doing something with another gender. But these couples are also open to exploration and within the safe bounds of their relationships, they decide to experiment, which leads to a whole lot of fun.
While it’s framed as a fling—a little fun amongst friends!—it turns out it’s not quite as simple as that. What happens on vacation might not stay on vacation. I can’t wait to see what happens in book two!
As much as I loved this, I wanted way more details about the characters. I wasn’t clear whether Rafe is Latino, which is not great rep if he is. I assume the other three are white but I can’t say for sure. Nor do I know what any of their jobs are or if they have hobbies beyond Alec’s photography. The emphasis is on the sexual arc and their feelings about these developments but it all would have been much more grounded had I had a better sense of who each character was.
Characters: Bex is a 38 year old bisexual wife and mother. Rafe is a 38 year old queer husband and father; he is possibly Latino. They’ve been married for 15 years and have 3 kids (sons in 1st and 5th grade and a daughter in 3rd grade). Darcy is a 38 year old bisexual PTA president. Alec is a bisexual amateur photographer. They’ve been married 13 years and have 3 kids (sons in 2nd and 5th grade and a daughter in 4th grade). Darcy and Bex were freshman year roommates. This is set in South Padre, TX.
Content notes: past vasectomy (Rafe), on page sex, spouse sharing, foursome, menage, voyeurism, edging, shower sex, ocean sex, blindfold, sex toy, erotic photos, masturbation, alcohol, inebriation, gender essentialism (countered), ableist language
I loved that this wasn’t a typical spouse swap. Bex is interested in her best friend, not her best friend’s husband. And Alec isn’t interested in Bex, he’s interested in her husband. At one point, Bex thinks about how she and Alec have similar taste! And the same is true for their spouses. So while there is a threesome and a foursome scene, they’re only ever engaged with either their spouse or the person of the same gender.
I was a little worried this might go a biphobic route but they ultimately say sexuality isn’t dependent upon who you have sex with. Bex would still be bi even if she didn’t ever do anything with Darcy and Rafe doesn’t need to explore his queerness by doing something with another gender. But these couples are also open to exploration and within the safe bounds of their relationships, they decide to experiment, which leads to a whole lot of fun.
While it’s framed as a fling—a little fun amongst friends!—it turns out it’s not quite as simple as that. What happens on vacation might not stay on vacation. I can’t wait to see what happens in book two!
As much as I loved this, I wanted way more details about the characters. I wasn’t clear whether Rafe is Latino, which is not great rep if he is. I assume the other three are white but I can’t say for sure. Nor do I know what any of their jobs are or if they have hobbies beyond Alec’s photography. The emphasis is on the sexual arc and their feelings about these developments but it all would have been much more grounded had I had a better sense of who each character was.
Characters: Bex is a 38 year old bisexual wife and mother. Rafe is a 38 year old queer husband and father; he is possibly Latino. They’ve been married for 15 years and have 3 kids (sons in 1st and 5th grade and a daughter in 3rd grade). Darcy is a 38 year old bisexual PTA president. Alec is a bisexual amateur photographer. They’ve been married 13 years and have 3 kids (sons in 2nd and 5th grade and a daughter in 4th grade). Darcy and Bex were freshman year roommates. This is set in South Padre, TX.
Content notes: past vasectomy (Rafe), on page sex, spouse sharing, foursome, menage, voyeurism, edging, shower sex, ocean sex, blindfold, sex toy, erotic photos, masturbation, alcohol, inebriation, gender essentialism (countered), ableist language
June 30, 2023
Gemma Blythe went and gifted us with a stunningly steamy, tender romance novel full of discovery and heat and love and acceptance. AND HEAT. SO MUCH HEAT.
BREAKING BOUNDARIES is Bex’s book, and watching her wade through uncertainty and fear and hope and longing with her husband, Rafe, serving as her North Star through a very new (but very sexy!!!!) landscape was so beautiful to watch unfold. The theme of sexuality exploration between all characters was so well done and portrayed with the utmost care. And yes, like I mentioned, this book is extremely steamy—some of the best you’ll read—but Gemma layers it with meaningful, complex discussions about relationships and marriage and polyamory and queer identity. There is just so much safety and acceptance and understanding threaded throughout it all. It’s stunningly done.
Bottom line: this story is finely, beautifully drawn, incredibly sexy, and perfectly introduces readers to Gemma Blythe’s gigantic talent. She’s such an exciting new voice in erotica, and having had a sneak peek at what she’s working on now, I’m telling you, the best is yet to come! 😏
BREAKING BOUNDARIES is Bex’s book, and watching her wade through uncertainty and fear and hope and longing with her husband, Rafe, serving as her North Star through a very new (but very sexy!!!!) landscape was so beautiful to watch unfold. The theme of sexuality exploration between all characters was so well done and portrayed with the utmost care. And yes, like I mentioned, this book is extremely steamy—some of the best you’ll read—but Gemma layers it with meaningful, complex discussions about relationships and marriage and polyamory and queer identity. There is just so much safety and acceptance and understanding threaded throughout it all. It’s stunningly done.
Bottom line: this story is finely, beautifully drawn, incredibly sexy, and perfectly introduces readers to Gemma Blythe’s gigantic talent. She’s such an exciting new voice in erotica, and having had a sneak peek at what she’s working on now, I’m telling you, the best is yet to come! 😏
July 28, 2023
Holy forking hotness. Is this the hottest book I’ve ever read? I would imagine so. Two married couples who are also long time best friends, take an adults only vacation together and things turn steamy. All 4 are queer and there is a lot of exhibitionism and voyeurism and f/f sexual exploration and m/m sexual exploration and all of it’s done with lots of consent and repeatedly checking in and ongoing conversations about their feelings and level of comfort. Is it an erotic romance or just erotica? Idk but I am very eager for part 2.
June 28, 2023
This was WILD. I’m not sure what I was expecting when I started reading, but it wasn’t what I pictured. I really had a good time reading this! It was a lot of fun and super spicy. It was also a quick read which is always great.
I could appreciate Rafe discovering his sexuality throughout the book. Him discovering/acknowledging he’s queer to his wife and friends, and them not making it a big deal out of it (they are, too) was sweet to read.
While reading, I really wished it was dual POV so I could see Darcy’s side and not just Bex’s. I would’ve really enjoyed getting a peak into her and Alec’s side of the wall and how they were feeling. I’m glad a sequel’s coming so we get Darcy’s POV. I’m excited to read that when it comes out!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I could appreciate Rafe discovering his sexuality throughout the book. Him discovering/acknowledging he’s queer to his wife and friends, and them not making it a big deal out of it (they are, too) was sweet to read.
While reading, I really wished it was dual POV so I could see Darcy’s side and not just Bex’s. I would’ve really enjoyed getting a peak into her and Alec’s side of the wall and how they were feeling. I’m glad a sequel’s coming so we get Darcy’s POV. I’m excited to read that when it comes out!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 6, 2024
Genuinely one of the best poly romances I’ve ever read. Gemma Blythe is absolutely an author to watch.
July 22, 2023
HIGH HEAT FOR SURE BUT AM I NERD IF I SAY IT WAS THE CONVERSATIONS AROUND THE SEX I LIKED BEST? IS THAT LIKE SAYING YOU READ PLAYBOY FOR THE ARTICLES?
July 3, 2023
Friends to lovers just got a whole new meaning!! Gem has brought heat, humor, and tenderness to Breaking Boundaries. I love the way this story navigated exploration, sexuality, and changing dynamics within a friend group.
The main four characters are so well fleshed out you really get a sense of who they are. I love the teasing elements, the honesty of being nervous, and the fantastic payoff when they all finally get together. HELLO WALL SCENE!! I am so excited for the world to see what’s up next for these friends 👀
The main four characters are so well fleshed out you really get a sense of who they are. I love the teasing elements, the honesty of being nervous, and the fantastic payoff when they all finally get together. HELLO WALL SCENE!! I am so excited for the world to see what’s up next for these friends 👀
June 25, 2023
Two married couples who have been longtime friends finally have a chance to get away for a childless vacation down end south Texas at the beach. These couples still have desires that get to explore without the fear of what if the children hear. While exploring these various moments of adult fun the realization comes that the walls in the place, they are vacation are a little thin. Hearing various noises leads to "What do you think they are doing?" moments which leads to some new interactions with these longtime friends both straight and Bi interactions. This book is a steamy hot book right from the start and stays that way throughout the book. I would need another vacation after the vacation with this group after all the action that takes place. This a good read
July 12, 2023
Thank you to the author for the eArc of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wowzer. Talk about friends to lovers. This book was pure steam and I have never read the last 50% of a book faster. I think the author approached the subject of bisexuality and affirms one’s sexuality/labels in a touching way. I appreciated the love, respect and trust that each couple had in allowing their spouse to partake in the exploration of their whole sexual being. I will definitely be reading the second book when it comes out! 10/10 chili peppers…wow.
Wowzer. Talk about friends to lovers. This book was pure steam and I have never read the last 50% of a book faster. I think the author approached the subject of bisexuality and affirms one’s sexuality/labels in a touching way. I appreciated the love, respect and trust that each couple had in allowing their spouse to partake in the exploration of their whole sexual being. I will definitely be reading the second book when it comes out! 10/10 chili peppers…wow.
April 15, 2024
Honestly, I think this review can be boiled down to the fact that I bought the next one immediately. Authors who can fit that much character growth into less than two hundred very steamy pages have my utmost respect. I love these four so much and am diving right into the next one.
*I received a free review copy. All thoughts are my own.
*I received a free review copy. All thoughts are my own.
July 19, 2023
Quick and so freaking hot 🔥🔥🔥
This book was very good and it was super interesting to read how two couples that are BFF explored and developed a new relationship between them in a healthy and respectful way. Also, I loved how queer and sex positive it was! Can't wait for their next adventure 😈😈
This book was very good and it was super interesting to read how two couples that are BFF explored and developed a new relationship between them in a healthy and respectful way. Also, I loved how queer and sex positive it was! Can't wait for their next adventure 😈😈
September 25, 2023
This author can really write a good sex scene, whew.
January 25, 2024
Veryyyyyy steamy. Gemma does a fantastic job with the spice. That’s all I can say 😂✨
July 3, 2023
I was excited about this read because the description was right up my alley—friends who go on vacation together and become more than friends.
Although this did what it said it would do - the build-up needed to be shorter. There were way too many chapters of Will They or Won't the.
The husband changed his sexuality within a couple of chapters not sure if that needed to happen like that - it just felt abrupt.
Since the book was so long - the amount of sex that happened before the main event was a bit much for me. I just wanted the teasing to stop and for the book to have more scenes of the group together.
A good book. All in all
Although this did what it said it would do - the build-up needed to be shorter. There were way too many chapters of Will They or Won't the.
The husband changed his sexuality within a couple of chapters not sure if that needed to happen like that - it just felt abrupt.
Since the book was so long - the amount of sex that happened before the main event was a bit much for me. I just wanted the teasing to stop and for the book to have more scenes of the group together.
A good book. All in all
February 5, 2024
I genuinely didn't know what to expect when deciding to read this book. What I didn't expect was to resonate with the main character so much. All 4 characters are relatable, regular people with with their own real world responsibilities. You would think that would make for a very boring book, but this is far from boring. Gemma knows how to connect with her audience; when I tell you my heart stopped beating at certain points along with the characters and almost jumped out of my chest in other points, I was so invested in finding out what was going to happen… because the SUSPENSE and the TENSION *chef's kiss*. I also appreciate the way she brought up topics that many people struggle with in real life, ensuring that the topic of sexuality was discussed in such an easygoing and casual way while also portraying the inner turmoil that occurs with it. Now, onto the good stuff… man oh man does Gemma know how to counter it with the SPICE 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ This has to be one of the hottest books I've read so far (and I have read a lot), but it's also not in the realm of books like 50 shades of gray. I just love these characters and damn Rafe makes me HOT 🔥 I'm really looking forward to seeing how this all plays out in the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 19, 2023
When married couple Rebecca and Rafe take a vacation with their long-time friends and couple Darcy and Alec, they don't expect for things to take the turn they do. But finally being away from their children, days at the beach in swimwear that leaves little to the imagination, and walls so thin they let each couple hear everything from the others' room... well, boundaries are made to be broken.
A few writer friends of mine recommended this book, and, despite it not being my typical fare, I couldn't resist it after hearing their praises and seeing the premise. And all I can say is 🥵🥵🥵. It's a bit short for a full-length novel, but brings both the heat and emotional development necessary for the relationships to make sense. The characters have essentially no personality outside of their relationships to the others, be it their partner or friends, but let's be real--that's not why we're reading. Any you can see the love and friendship between everyone, which is what is most important. Overall, I love the concept that this will be one puzzle piece in what I assume to be a four book collection. I certainly will keep my eye out for the rest...
Thanks to the author for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 8/10
A few writer friends of mine recommended this book, and, despite it not being my typical fare, I couldn't resist it after hearing their praises and seeing the premise. And all I can say is 🥵🥵🥵. It's a bit short for a full-length novel, but brings both the heat and emotional development necessary for the relationships to make sense. The characters have essentially no personality outside of their relationships to the others, be it their partner or friends, but let's be real--that's not why we're reading. Any you can see the love and friendship between everyone, which is what is most important. Overall, I love the concept that this will be one puzzle piece in what I assume to be a four book collection. I certainly will keep my eye out for the rest...
Thanks to the author for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 8/10
January 16, 2024
As a whole I really enjoyed this book, the heat was on point and never stopped coming or disappointed, but what really made me love this book was the characters and their relationships to each other outside of the spice too.
It's refreshing to see books about couples in their thirties, not just in college or just out of college, but also it was refreshing to see adults being adults. From the bonds shared between friends to the bonds shared between the married couples, I loved how aware of each other's feelings they were. As well, it was nice to see them check in with each other as things progressed through the book, making sure they were okay, making sure this wasn't pushing their comfort level in the wrong way, and making sure if they needed to stop, that they had a way to do it.
I also loved the real world consequences when they get home, how do we go from here? Are we okay? And how do we not let this break the friendships, but be adults about it at the same time. Which, of course, the things that a lot of books forget, but this one never does - communication is key for any working relationship be it friendship, marriage, or something in between between a couple of married friends.
It's refreshing to see books about couples in their thirties, not just in college or just out of college, but also it was refreshing to see adults being adults. From the bonds shared between friends to the bonds shared between the married couples, I loved how aware of each other's feelings they were. As well, it was nice to see them check in with each other as things progressed through the book, making sure they were okay, making sure this wasn't pushing their comfort level in the wrong way, and making sure if they needed to stop, that they had a way to do it.
I also loved the real world consequences when they get home, how do we go from here? Are we okay? And how do we not let this break the friendships, but be adults about it at the same time. Which, of course, the things that a lot of books forget, but this one never does - communication is key for any working relationship be it friendship, marriage, or something in between between a couple of married friends.
June 28, 2023
Breaking Boundaries is a hot, sweet treat to tuck into your Kindle this summer.
Long-time couple Bex and Rafe shed the kids and the responsibilities for a beach vacation with friends Darcy and Alec. It isn’t long before they discover the walls at their rental are thin…and their rationalizations about not being attracted to their friends are getting even thinner. Is this…really gonna happen?! Buckle up, buckle in, let the games begin!
Blythe brings tension, spice, safety, and consent to this story of couples rediscovering themselves — and each other — at an age when our individual and couple identities can get buried under kids, jobs, and the exhaustion of life refusing to stop coming at us full force. I love what she’s done with her exploration of sexual identity for characters in their thirties, her gentle handling of consensual non-monogamy (both the triumphs and the pitfalls), and the way both friendship and romantic love are honoured and uplifted. Her ear for realistic, emotional exchanges within couples is spot on, and her prose is clean and crisp like the cold beverage of your choice sipped on a lounge chair on a July day.
Long-time couple Bex and Rafe shed the kids and the responsibilities for a beach vacation with friends Darcy and Alec. It isn’t long before they discover the walls at their rental are thin…and their rationalizations about not being attracted to their friends are getting even thinner. Is this…really gonna happen?! Buckle up, buckle in, let the games begin!
Blythe brings tension, spice, safety, and consent to this story of couples rediscovering themselves — and each other — at an age when our individual and couple identities can get buried under kids, jobs, and the exhaustion of life refusing to stop coming at us full force. I love what she’s done with her exploration of sexual identity for characters in their thirties, her gentle handling of consensual non-monogamy (both the triumphs and the pitfalls), and the way both friendship and romantic love are honoured and uplifted. Her ear for realistic, emotional exchanges within couples is spot on, and her prose is clean and crisp like the cold beverage of your choice sipped on a lounge chair on a July day.
August 20, 2023
Bex and Darcy have been best friends since college. Then, Bex married Raf and Darcy married Alec, so their husbands became best friends as well. That's why they are excited about their first child-free vacation. However, it's soon clear that their trip will have unexpected turns, as the attraction between them is evident.
What I liked: Erotic romance can sometimes be boring because of long unrealistic descriptions and/or flat characters. That was not the case for this book. This was a fun read, the sex scenes were detailed yet left room for the reader's imagination, and the dialogues were emotional and honest between the characters. I liked that Bex sometimes hesitated and how she discussed her doubts with her best friend and her husband. I liked the characters and the development of their relationships. I haven't read many books of the genre yet, but this one was very good and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thus, I'd like to thank BookSirens and the author for this ARC)
What I liked: Erotic romance can sometimes be boring because of long unrealistic descriptions and/or flat characters. That was not the case for this book. This was a fun read, the sex scenes were detailed yet left room for the reader's imagination, and the dialogues were emotional and honest between the characters. I liked that Bex sometimes hesitated and how she discussed her doubts with her best friend and her husband. I liked the characters and the development of their relationships. I haven't read many books of the genre yet, but this one was very good and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thus, I'd like to thank BookSirens and the author for this ARC)
July 19, 2023
Two married couples, friends forever and long time neighbours, take a well earned kid free holiday together. Thin bedroom walls fuel forbidden fantasies. Or can these fantasies become reality?
I loved this story because the story takes the time to explore the possible emotional consequences of pursuing a bi swingers relationship with friends you have known for many years. It read like the author either had experience with this or had devoted an awful lot of time thinking about what possible devastating consequences this sort of sexual exposure could do to a friendship.
In short, this is a smart, extremely hot look at a developing long term swinging relationship. Looking forward to the rest in the series!
I received this book as a free arc and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I loved this story because the story takes the time to explore the possible emotional consequences of pursuing a bi swingers relationship with friends you have known for many years. It read like the author either had experience with this or had devoted an awful lot of time thinking about what possible devastating consequences this sort of sexual exposure could do to a friendship.
In short, this is a smart, extremely hot look at a developing long term swinging relationship. Looking forward to the rest in the series!
I received this book as a free arc and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
July 30, 2023
Breaking Boundaries was both extremely hot and also so tender!
Bex and Rafe are off on a couples-getaway with their best friends Darcy and Alec when a thin wall sparks long-dormant attractions and an exploration of sexuality between partners and friends.
There are so many things to love about this book: the well developed characters, the conversations around consent, the spice!! But what I think I loved most were the honest conversations between Bex and Rafe about exploring their sexuality inside and outside their marriage. They were both so supportive and loving and I especially loved how well they communicated and checked in with each other as the story progressed. The tenderness and safety in this story made this not only hot and spicy, but also showcased an awakening and a beautiful exploration of deep love.
Bex and Rafe are off on a couples-getaway with their best friends Darcy and Alec when a thin wall sparks long-dormant attractions and an exploration of sexuality between partners and friends.
There are so many things to love about this book: the well developed characters, the conversations around consent, the spice!! But what I think I loved most were the honest conversations between Bex and Rafe about exploring their sexuality inside and outside their marriage. They were both so supportive and loving and I especially loved how well they communicated and checked in with each other as the story progressed. The tenderness and safety in this story made this not only hot and spicy, but also showcased an awakening and a beautiful exploration of deep love.
August 28, 2023
WOW! Yep I loved this! It was actually pretty long to be considered a novella, but I'm happy about the length for sure and excited for book 2! Will definitely be reading it! I put off reading this for a bit and I'm not sure why .... maybe the cover didn't really speak to me or draw me in? Either way, I'm super glad I read it now and already waiting for the second book! There are so many things that I love about this book including the fact that it is a book about 2 happily married couples who have established families (3 kids each) and are best friends. The four of them decide to go on an adult only trip, and even though it is not to Vegas, the saying what happens in Vegas still applies! You'll have to read to see all that they get up to! It was super hawt but also written so well! Loved!
March 13, 2025
Holy HOTNESS! This book was so hot I read it in less than 24 hours. 2 married best-friend couples go on a kid free vacation together. After some accidental listening and getting off to each other having sex, things heat up and they decide to swap partners. But, PLOT TWIST, the swap becomes an MM and FF situation because all four characters turn out to actually be bisexual. I loved everything about this book. The Spice was SPICY and the sexy banter throughout was so good! What surprised me though, was how sweet and tender it was at the same time. Even though they are all happily married and it's just supposed to be sex, you can see how there's so much emotion in every interaction. I also really appreciated how much the author focused on having the important conversations throughout the story. I CAN NOT wait to read the second book.
June 6, 2023
Tender, fun, romantic, thoughtful, and SO DAMN HOT! Gemma Blythe weaves magic here. This story is just utterly, completely, totally sexy in every possible way--dirty talk, exciting exploration, huge showers, thin walls--but is also so safe, so realistic, and so very tender. We see friends explore new relationships with extreme trust and amazing communication and consent, and it all works to make the sex even hotter and the feelings even more butterfly-y.
Great for readers who enjoy voyeurism, exhibitionism, "just while we're on vacation", bi-discovery, consent, clear communication, love between friends, dirty talk, teasing, "come for me", curiosity about polyamory, and just great writing.
Great for readers who enjoy voyeurism, exhibitionism, "just while we're on vacation", bi-discovery, consent, clear communication, love between friends, dirty talk, teasing, "come for me", curiosity about polyamory, and just great writing.
July 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this and I especially like how well these couples communicate with each other
Best friends since college, Bex and Darcy, along with their husbands are taking a kid-free getaway. It's their chance to catch up with one another and relax.
What they never expected was that the walls of the rental would be so thin. When they head to bed Bex and Rafe are able to hear what their friends are up to. She also didn't expect how hot it would be to hear Darcy and Alec.
She confesses to her husband that she has a crush on Darcy. He isn't opposed to the idea. She's noticed that his gaze keeps traveling over to Alec.
Darcy and Alec are looking their way too.
Who will make the first move?
Thank you so much to the author and Xpresso Tours for this ARC to review.
Best friends since college, Bex and Darcy, along with their husbands are taking a kid-free getaway. It's their chance to catch up with one another and relax.
What they never expected was that the walls of the rental would be so thin. When they head to bed Bex and Rafe are able to hear what their friends are up to. She also didn't expect how hot it would be to hear Darcy and Alec.
She confesses to her husband that she has a crush on Darcy. He isn't opposed to the idea. She's noticed that his gaze keeps traveling over to Alec.
Darcy and Alec are looking their way too.
Who will make the first move?
Thank you so much to the author and Xpresso Tours for this ARC to review.
January 21, 2024
As a person who practices ethical non monogamy this was a really refreshing read.
I haven’t read a lot of cozy smut books that I’ve enjoyed but this has been by far my favorite. The characters are relatable and I actually enjoy their individual relationships and their tiny intimate moments. It makes the smut all that better. Plus, these bisexual characters were written accurately and I appreciated that most of all.
There is a lot of jealousy that comes with non monogamy of any kind, including swinging and threesomes, foursomes ect and I love that this book did not shy away from that and that it made a point to include reassurance and after care.
All in all this was a really good read and I’m beyond excited the series is continuing! Can’t wait to read the next one.
I haven’t read a lot of cozy smut books that I’ve enjoyed but this has been by far my favorite. The characters are relatable and I actually enjoy their individual relationships and their tiny intimate moments. It makes the smut all that better. Plus, these bisexual characters were written accurately and I appreciated that most of all.
There is a lot of jealousy that comes with non monogamy of any kind, including swinging and threesomes, foursomes ect and I love that this book did not shy away from that and that it made a point to include reassurance and after care.
All in all this was a really good read and I’m beyond excited the series is continuing! Can’t wait to read the next one.
September 9, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm so glad I happened to stumble upon Gemma Blythe on Threads! Breaking Boundaries is such a positive representation of a bi-waking but also of healthy, communicative relationships! This story follows two couples: Bex & Rafe and Darcy & Alec. Bex has a crush on her best Darcy while Rafe is interested in Alex but also confused as he hasn't admitted he might potentially like men.
Not only was this book incredibly steamy, but it had such strong communication between all four people that made the experience more romantic! I will absolutely be continuing this series to see what happens next four our couples!
I'm so glad I happened to stumble upon Gemma Blythe on Threads! Breaking Boundaries is such a positive representation of a bi-waking but also of healthy, communicative relationships! This story follows two couples: Bex & Rafe and Darcy & Alec. Bex has a crush on her best Darcy while Rafe is interested in Alex but also confused as he hasn't admitted he might potentially like men.
Not only was this book incredibly steamy, but it had such strong communication between all four people that made the experience more romantic! I will absolutely be continuing this series to see what happens next four our couples!
July 3, 2023
How did Gemma manage to do BOTH
1. Spice immediately
AND
2. Slow burn
Like ... I knew it was gonna happen, but I was on the edge of my seat until well past the halfway point.
You edged your readers! 🤣
This was fast paced 💖💜💙 erotic novella that inhaled in one sitting.
Things I loved 👇🏼
How we had the same head cannon, hi new friend 👋🏼
“I love that now you’re making noises for me.” - throws kindle with glee 🥵
Favorite quote that was written so beautifully -
“She kisses me like she means it. Like she’s dying of thirst and I’m a glass of water, like she’s never going to get another chance.”
1. Spice immediately
AND
2. Slow burn
Like ... I knew it was gonna happen, but I was on the edge of my seat until well past the halfway point.
You edged your readers! 🤣
This was fast paced 💖💜💙 erotic novella that inhaled in one sitting.
Things I loved 👇🏼
How we had the same head cannon, hi new friend 👋🏼
“I love that now you’re making noises for me.” - throws kindle with glee 🥵
Favorite quote that was written so beautifully -
“She kisses me like she means it. Like she’s dying of thirst and I’m a glass of water, like she’s never going to get another chance.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2023
Really enjoyed the two couples - Bex and Rafe, Darcy and Alec, and their dynamic as a foursome. I liked that they were all approaching forty and had families at home. They really showed that people beyond their twenties or early thirties can still enjoy and revel in exploring their sexuality.
Blythe’s writing is a perfect mix of heat and heart. Her scenes are so hot but never cross the line into play-by-plays. The pacing of the changing relationships, the uncertainties the characters face, and their decisions to go for it… all handled beautifully.
This is my first Gemma Blythe book, I loved it, and I cannot wait to read the next in the series!
Blythe’s writing is a perfect mix of heat and heart. Her scenes are so hot but never cross the line into play-by-plays. The pacing of the changing relationships, the uncertainties the characters face, and their decisions to go for it… all handled beautifully.
This is my first Gemma Blythe book, I loved it, and I cannot wait to read the next in the series!
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